Tibet's Nobel Peace Laureate Anniversary Celebrated in London

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Tibet's Nobel Peace Laureate Anniversary Celebrated in London

Tibetans and their supporters in Britain celebrated the anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989, in south London at Woolwich Town Hall on 9th December. This joyful event, which was organised by the Tibetan Community in Britain and Tibet Foundation included speeches from former and present Tibetan officials, Cham dance by monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and a special cultural presentation by the Tibetan Community Dance Group.

In his welcoming note, Tenzin Samphel - Chairperson of the Tibetan Community in Britain told the audience on the occasion that the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Dalai Lama was the "world's recognition to His Holiness in his pursuit of peaceful resolution to the China-Tibet issue."

Nine monks from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in south India, who are on a European Tour, led the Long Life Prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and performed ceremonial dance, Shanag Cham, with their religious horn instrument Dhung-chen echoing through the well decorated typical English Town Hall.

Whilst making their a ddress on this special occasion, Kalon Kesang Yangkyi Takla, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for UK and Northern Europe, currently based at the Office of Tibet in London, paid tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his tireless efforts in finding resolution to the Tibetan issue through non-violence and dialogue with the Chinese leadership. About her recent selection as a Kalon (Minister) by a majority vote in the Tibetan parliament in exile, Kalon Takla said she would continue with her past commitments to serve the Tibetan nation and people to the best of her ability. She said a government needs the people and the people need a government and this is very much so even in the case of the Tibetan democratic diaspora where rights and responsibilities toward the common Tibetan cause should go hand in hand.

Her practical advice to the Tibetans living in the West includes, "Tibetans must take a more active part in any events related to Tibet in their host countries and should get more involved whenever possible." She said that Tibetans must pay closer attention to their own religion and culture no matter where they are and added, "Parents have more responsibilities and should make extra efforts in bringing up their children with more traditional Tibetan values and customs." The Dalai Lama's Representative also said that the Office of Tibet, despite there being only three staff, has been doing all it can to serve the Tibetans and their cause under its areas of responsibilities in the UK, Ireland, the Scandinavian countries, the Baltic countries and Poland, and would continue to provide any possible assistance.

Other speakers include Chithue Sonam Tsering Frasi, a member of the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies (Tibetan Parliament-in-exile) and Kasur Rinchen Khando Choegyal, a former minister for the Tibetan Government- in-e xile and presently the Director of Tibetan Nuns Project in Dharamsala.

Chithue Sonam Tsering Frasi made special emphasis on the need to strengthening the Tibetan freedom struggle. Referring to The Middle-Way approach (Ume-Lam) first initiated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and later adopted by the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile as its official policy towards the peaceful resolution of the China-Tibet issue, the Tibetan deputy stressed, "Tibetan leaders in Tibet must be able to fulfil the welfare needs of the Tibetan people inside Tibet." Chithue Frasi further added that the essence of the Middle-Way is, "Tibetan leaders in Tibet must be empowered to make their own decision independent of the Chinese influence for the benefit of the Tibetans there."

Kasur Rinchen Khando Choegyal, Chief Guest for this special event, echoed the speeches given by Kalon Takla and Chithue Frasi. "For a nation's struggle, our people must be prepared to cope with time taken for a political resolution. Although after more than 45 years in exile we have still not seen any concrete results on the political level but many positive changes have taken place in other areas. We have been extremely successful in terms of setting up the exile community with efforts towards maintaining our own Tibetan religion, culture and identity intact ", said the visiting former Kalon. She further stressed, "For our struggle, the unity is of utmost important no matter where each one of us came from, whether it is Dotoe, Domed or U-Tsang and our beliefs in various schools of Tibetan Buddhism". Emphasising on the need to provide assistance to Tibetans inside Tibet, Kasur Choegyal remarked, "Any aid provided inside Tibet must be made sure that it benefits the Tibetan people directly."

The audience were later entertained with a lively cultural presentation by junior and senior members of the Tibetan Community Dance Group, who have previously performed for many dignitaries including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales at his official residences - St. James's Palace and the Clarence House in London.

Karma Hardy, director of Tibet Foundation conveyed his gratitude to everyone on behalf of the organisers. Delicious cooked food and Khabse were served after the formal programme to the delights of some 200 people gathered to celebrate the joyful occasion. Kunsang Chodon, General Secretary of the Tibetan Community in Britain conducted the day's event.